Implementing Docs-as-Code
Documentation as Code (Docs-as-Code) treats technical documentation with the same rigor and processes as software code. This approach leverages...
3 min read
Writing Team
:
Oct 15, 2024 3:04:51 PM
The demand for efficient, consistent, and versatile documentation has never been greater. Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) is a powerful solution for technical writers seeking to create single-source, multi-channel documentation. This article explores the process of implementing DITA, offering insights and practical guidance for technical writers looking to enhance their documentation workflow.
DITA is an XML-based open standard for structuring, developing, and publishing technical content. Key features include:
Here's the process step by step.
Before diving into DITA, evaluate your existing documentation:
Develop a comprehensive implementation strategy:
Select appropriate tools for authoring, managing, and publishing DITA content:
Create a robust information architecture:
Example folder structure:
/topics
/concept
/task
/reference
/maps
/images
/reuse
Create templates and style guides to ensure consistency:
Example DITA task template:
<!DOCTYPE task PUBLIC "-//OASIS//DTD DITA Task//EN" "task.dtd">
<task id="task_template">
<title>Task Title</title>
<shortdesc>Brief description of the task.</shortdesc>
<taskbody>
<prereq>
<p>Prerequisites for the task.</p>
</prereq>
<steps>
<step>
<cmd>First step instruction.</cmd>
</step>
<step>
<cmd>Second step instruction.</cmd>
</step>
</steps>
<result>
<p>Expected outcome of the task.</p>
</result>
</taskbody>
</task>
Migrate your existing documentation to DITA:
Ensure your technical writing team is well-equipped to work with DITA:
Set up a version control system to manage your DITA content:
Create an efficient publishing workflow:
Example publishing pipeline using GitHub Actions:
on:
push:
branches: [ main ]
jobs:
build:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v2
- name: Set up JDK 11
uses: actions/setup-java@v2
with:
java-version: '11'
distribution: 'adopt'
- name: Build with DITA-OT
run: |
wget https://github.com/dita-ot/dita-ot/releases/download/3.7/dita-ot-3.7.zip
unzip dita-ot-3.7.zip
./dita-ot-3.7/bin/dita --input=main.ditamap --format=html5 --output=./out
- name: Deploy to GitHub Pages
uses: peaceiris/actions-gh-pages@v3
with:
github_token: $
publish_dir: ./out
Continuously improve your DITA implementation:
Implementing DITA for single-source, multi-channel technical documentation is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, robust tools, and ongoing optimization. However, the benefits of improved consistency, efficiency, and flexibility make it a worthwhile investment for technical writing teams.
By following the steps outlined in this article and adhering to best practices, technical writers can successfully transition to a DITA-based workflow, enabling them to create more effective, reusable, and adaptable documentation. As the field of technical communication continues to evolve, mastering DITA will position writers to meet the growing demands for versatile, high-quality technical content across multiple platforms and audiences.
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